Introducing the Region’s First High Risk Breast Cancer Center

If you have a family history of breast cancer or you’ve had an abnormal biopsy, you may be concerned about developing cancer. However, your risk may actually be lower than you think since the vast majority of women who fall into those categories are able to achieve greater clarity and peace of mind by seeking risk and genetic testing.

If testing determines that you’re at high risk, our program’s compassionate, skilled specialists will help you:

Understand your condition

Make informed choices

Take proactive preventive steps

Who should seek High Risk assessment?

Any woman concerned about her risk

Women with two first degree relatives with breast cancer (First degree includes a mother, sister or daughter, as well as a father, brother or son with male breast cancer)

Women who’ve had an abnormal biopsy

Women with a family history of ovarian or male breast cancer

Women personally diagnosed with breast cancer under 45

Women who have suffered two separate breast cancers

Women with the BRCA gene

Women with a blood relative with the BRCA gene

Initial Physician & Counselor Consultation

Every patient who chooses HackensackUMC Mountainside meets with Dr. Jan Huston, Director of

the Breast Health Program, at our on-campus Multi-Specialty Health Center. Dr. Huston is a highly regarded, board-certified breast surgeon and the only doctor in her field included on a national list of Top Surgeons compiled by Castle Connolly, the premier physician evaluation research firm. She is also a strong proponent of evidence-based care, the practice of carefully prescribing tests and procedures to minimize patient stress, discomfort and inconvenience.

A certified genetic counselor is available to meet with each patient to review a patient completed personal/family medical history forms to determine if breast cancer genetic testing is appropriate

Simple, Painless Genetic Testing

An oral rinse is all that’s needed to conduct BRCA genetic testing. This test is important because:

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known as tumor suppressors and mutation of those genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

A woman's risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is increased if she inherits a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. (Men with these mutations also have an increased breast cancer risk.)

State-of-the-Art Digital Mammography

If you haven’t recently had a baseline or annual mammogram (based upon your age), one will be performed by skilled technicians and analyzed by a physician who specializes in breast imaging at our Breast Center of Excellence, a designation we’ve been awarded by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for exceeding all of its patient care standards.

A Preventive Action Plan

Dr. Huston reviews test results of the diagnostic imaging and in consultation with a Genetic Counselor, review the results of the genetic testing. If further treatment is necessary, she will consult with additional HackensackUMC Mountainside physician specialists.

If a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is detected, there are several options available to help manage cancer risk and they will be clearly explained in one-on-one discussions. A personalized preventive and early intervention plan will be developed for you in consultation with our multidisciplinary team of experts.

World-Class Care in a Community Setting

About 5-10% of all breast cancer cases are related to BRCA mutations. In the event of such a diagnosis, HackensackUMC Mountainside can provide an exceptional, unsurpassed standard of care.

A nurse specially trained as a Patient Navigator is dedicated exclusively to supporting our breast cancer patients and ensuring that all medical, practical and emotional needs are met.

Our medical team includes some of the region’s leading board-certified specialists in breast and gynecological oncology and other relevant specialties.

The Cancer Center at HackensackUMC Mountainside is accredited with commendation by the American College of Surgeons and includes one of the region’s few ACR accredited Radiology Oncology program.

If you may be at heightened risk of developing breast cancer due to family history or atypical test results, be proactive about your health. Call (973) 259-3548 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Huston and our High Risk team.